Summer 2026
Manufacturing Systems & Data Analytics Intern
Posted on 5/2/2026
First Quality
Produces branded and private-label consumer products
No salary listed
Salt Lake City, UT, USA
In Person
Bachelor's
 Data & Analytics (2) |
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- Pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, Data Analytics, Computer Science, or related field
- Experience with SQL, Excel, and database systems
- Programming knowledge in Python or R
- Familiarity with Tableau or Power BI
- Understanding of APIs and system integrations
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to translate data into actionable insights
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
- Effective communication and teamwork abilities
- Exposure to PLC programming and industrial communication protocols preferred
- Aggregate and structure manufacturing data from multiple sources and databases
- Develop and enhance interactive dashboards using Power BI
- Build automated reports to support operational, quality, and performance metrics
- Utilize SQL, Excel, and database systems for data extraction and analysis
- Apply Python or R for data manipulation, analysis, and process optimization
- Assist with Manufacturing Execution System (MES) enhancement initiatives
- Support PLC-related improvements (Allen-Bradley, Siemens)
- Collaborate on industrial networking and communication protocol integration
- Help troubleshoot system issues and support process improvements
- Ensure alignment with safety standards and regulatory requirements
- Exposure to PLC programming and industrial communication protocols preferred
First Quality makes consumer products such as personal care items, adult incontinence products, baby care goods, and household paper. These products are produced for both its own brands and private-label programs, then sold to retailers and institutions across North America and beyond. The company designs and manufactures practical, high-quality items that customers use in daily life and aims to meet retailer and institutional needs while maintaining strong product quality. What sets First Quality apart is its emphasis on brand building, customer service, and consistent quality, serving a diverse roster of clients and focusing on innovation and reliability to stay competitive. The overall goal is to grow sales and market presence by delivering dependable products that improve the lives of customers, partners, employees, and communities.
Company Size
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Company Stage
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Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Town of North Hempstead, New York
Founded
1989
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- March 2, 2026 Archbold project adds $300 million and 400 jobs by early 2028.
- Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Georgia expansions prove retailers still award First Quality long-term volume.
- Lewistown's 2025 $142.2 million expansion and Macon's 2024 $418 million project deepen capacity.
What critics are saying
- The 2025 Henkel integration strains management while Archbold and Defiance consume huge capital.
- NLRB case 02-CA-368586 filed June 23, 2025 signals labor friction in Manhattan operations.
- Walmart and Costco private-label pressure compresses margins; sustained price wars threaten core profitability.
What makes First Quality unique
- First Quality combines branded and private-label manufacturing across absorbent hygiene and home care.
- Its 2025 Henkel retailer-brands purchase broadened detergents, dishwash, and fabric-finishers.
- Family-owned operations and regional plants in Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Ohio shorten customer supply chains.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) Company Match
Paid Vacation
Paid Parental Leave
Childcare Support
Tuition Assistance
Wellness Program
Company News
High schoolers learn Advanced Manufacturing at Bibb County tech academy. A new classroom and workspace at Bibb County School District's Technology and Innovation Academy will give high schoolers real experience with automated, computer-driven manufacturing processes. August 11, 2026 - Casey Choung, The Macon Telegraph, Ga. (TNS) - What was once the garage of a car dealership off Eisenhower Parkway is now a state-of-the-art workshop, outfitted with pneumatic and hydraulics equipment and an advanced mechatronics training system. Students now have the chance to learn how to use advanced machinery at the Bibb County School District's Technology and Innovation Academy to gain real experience with modern automated manufacturing processes, the district announced this week. The class will be pioneered by Terry Nance, a former manufacturing operations director at First Quality, a manufacturing company that makes household items like tissue, laundry materials and more. Nance said the facility is unlike anything he's seen in a school. Manufacturing is typically thought of as an assembly line practice, Nance said, but students in his class will learn the modern, automated, computer-driven approach that's being used in plants all over the country. The program prepares students with the skillset to be "true technical experts," the instructor said. "Even the most sophisticated robots in the world have people operating right beside them and working with them and programming them," Nance said. County officials, school district administrators and the board of the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority offered a glimpse of the new classroom and workspace Monday morning at the district's Technology and Innovation Academy in West Macon. The academy opened in the summer of 2025 with the goal of allowing Bibb County students to explore up-and-coming technical fields. The new course is part of the school district's dual enrollment program, and high school students who take the Advanced Manufacturing Pathways course receive 17 credit hours through Central Georgia Technical College. Cassandra Washington, director of Career, Technical and Agricultural Education at the school district, said the skillset associated with the advanced manufacturing pathway fits in with other opportunities at the academy, such as cybersecurity and robotics. She said with the large number of advanced manufacturing companies in Macon, there's a need for a "quality workforce pipeline." Teyona Williams, a Howard High School senior, is one of the students in the program's first pair of classes. So far, she said her class has seen how each machine works. They will eventually participate in competitions and build cars. "When I heard about this I didn't even know I could be a person that was interested in this, so I am really happy that I am stepping into this and trying to learn something new," Williams said. The expensive equipment that fills the lab was funded through a partnership between the industrial authority, the county and the school district. Nance said he's already seen an "astronomical change" in the students in just three days of instruction. "I'm in it to change people's lives and let them change my life," Nance said. (C) 2026 The Macon Telegraph (Macon, Ga.). Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
First Quality to add Home Care site in Ohio. Investment reported at $300 million First Quality Home Care Products is building a new production facility in Archbold, OH, to support the continued growth of its home care division. The project will require an investment of up to $300 million, transforming an existing structure into a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, estimated to be operational in early 2028. The facility will create approximately 400 new jobs in Fulton County, Ohio, and play a critical role in meeting increasing consumer demand for high-quality, affordable household products. Jim Dodge, chief financial officer at First Quality, sais, "The addition of a new Home Care Products location in Northwest Ohio represents a crucial step in building the long-term foundation for this division. Beyond increasing our capacity, this site will strengthen our ability to scale efficiently, innovate faster and deliver the value customers expect from First Quality." The planned expansion follows the company's acquisition of Henkel's Retailer Brands business in North America, which added laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents and fabric finishers to First Quality's consumer product portfolio. Additionally, the company has plans for a new R&D and Collaboration Center in Trumbull, CT, solidifying its commitment to innovation and new product development in home care. This visible growth, combined with its current operations in Utah and Ontario, highlights the company's promise to deliver exceptional products and services to both existing and new customers. The Archbold plant marks First Quality's second major investment in Ohio. Last year, the company announced plans to open a new manufacturing facility in Defiance, along with significant investments to expand its existing absorbent hygiene manufacturing capacity in Lewistown, PA, and Macon, GA.
GEDA honors Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority (MBCIA) and First Quality Baby Products with Large Community Award. The Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority (MBCIA) and First Quality Baby Products have been awarded the 2025 Large Community Award by the Georgia Developers Association (GEDA) for the expansion of First Quality Baby Products in Macon-Bibb County. The award was presented at the GEDA 2025 Awards Dinner held at the Fox Theater in Atlanta, Georgia. The GEDA Deal of the Year Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in attracting or expanding businesses that drive economic growth and reflect strong community support. MBCIA's recognition highlights its leadership in advancing Macon-Bibb County as a premier location for business investment. "Being recognized with the GEDA Deal of the Year Award for First Quality's expansion in Macon-Bibb County is a true honor and a testament to the strength and attractiveness of our local business environment," said MBCIA Chairman Robby Fountain. "MBCIA has partnered closely with First Quality over the years to support their growth, and this recognition highlights the confidence businesses place in our community as a place to invest and thrive." "We are honored that First Quality's expansion and the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority have been recognized with the GEDA Deal of the Year Award," said Allen Bodford, President, First Quality Absorbent Hygiene Division. "This reflects the incredible support we have received from MBCIA, the State of Georgia, and the local community, whose partnership has been essential in making this possible. We are especially grateful to our dedicated team members in Macon, whose commitment to quality and excellence drives our success every day. Together, we are building a stronger future for our company, our community, and the families we serve." In May of 2024, First Quality Baby Products agreed to invest $418 million to expand its facility and create 600 new jobs in Macon-Bibb County. First Quality's expanded facility is located at 2108 Avondale Mill Road. "This expansion is more than a milestone for First Quality; it's a milestone for our community," said Macon-Bibb County Mayor Lester Miller. "The creation of hundreds of good-paying jobs and the infusion of capital investment will strengthen our local economy, support families, and build a brighter future for Macon-Bibb County. We are grateful for the collaboration of state and local partners who made this possible." The GEDA award recognizes Macon-Bibb County's ability to attract and retain global companies, enhance regional competitiveness, and foster meaningful public-private partnerships that deliver lasting community benefits. With this recognition, MBCIA reaffirms its commitment to creating a thriving business climate where companies and communities prosper together.
Investment from First Quality to expand its manufacturing. HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania has secured a $142.2 million investment from First Quality Retail Services, LLC (First Quality) to expand its manufacturing operations in Mifflin County - a project that will create 91 new jobs over three years and retain 2,441 existing positions by First Quality and its affiliates statewide. First Quality, a manufacturer of everyday essentials for personal and household care, will add four production lines to its facility located on Locust Road in Lewistown to meet increased demand for its products. "Pennsylvania offers an exceptionally skilled workforce, strategic location, and the resources for growing businesses to thrive and today's announcement proves it yet again," said Governor Josh Shapiro. "My Administration is committed to making our Commonwealth the best place in the nation to do business and we'll continue making bold, strategic investments that strengthen our economy and deliver real opportunity for all Pennsylvanians." First Quality received a funding proposal from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) that includes a $500,000 Pennsylvania First grant and a $110,000 WEDnetPA grant to train their workers. "First Quality has been a mainstay and major employer in Pennsylvania for well over three decades now and the Shapiro Administration is thrilled to see their continued investment in our Commonwealth," said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. "Governor Shapiro and I understand that we need to make strategic investments that create opportunities for Pennsylvanians and help revitalize local economies. First Quality's expansion will further strengthen Pennsylvania's manufacturing industry and create new jobs for our workers - a true win-win." First Quality began in Pennsylvania in 1989 as a manufacturer of adult incontinence products for the healthcare industry at its first location in McElhattan, Clinton County. Since then, the company has grown to become a leader in both healthcare and retail across North America, expanding product offerings to include baby wipes and feminine hygiene, incontinence, and other household products. "First Quality is thrilled to be expanding our adult incontinence manufacturing capacity in Lewistown," said Allen Bodford, President, First Quality Absorbent Hygiene Division. "We thank Governor Shapiro, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and the Mifflin County Industrial Development Corporation for their continued support. We also want to thank our dedicated team in Lewistown for their continued dedication to the company and to making a quality product for our customers." "First Quality came to our community in 2009 and quickly became a top five private sector employer," said Nick Felice, President/CEO, Mifflin County Industrial Development Corporation. "This expansion shows their strong commitment to Mifflin County, as they continue to provide competitive wages and benefits to area residents. We are appreciative of their investments here in Central Pennsylvania and look forward to their continued positive impact on our local and regional economy." All across Pennsylvania, manufacturers are expanding and creating jobs - from Eos in Allegheny County, Nichols Portland in Elk County, Imperial Systems in Mercer County, Qualex in Venango County, and Tate in York County. Under Governor Shapiro's leadership, Pennsylvania is the only state in the Northeast with a growing economy, according to analysis by Moody's. This latest recognition builds on growing evidence that Pennsylvania's economy is strong, competitive, and on the rise. Also, Area Development ranked Pennsylvania among the top 20 "Best States for Business" - the only Northeastern state to make the list - and placed the Commonwealth in the top 10 for "Site Readiness Programs."
The Rail Commission approved a $350,000 grant to First Quality Tissue Midwest, LLC for the installation of the rail infrastructure necessary to support the company's new $985 million plant in Defiance.